Cameron Crowe, writer and director of such heart-felt films as “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous,” shows a new side with the eccentric thriller “Vanilla Sky.”

Starring Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Penelope Cruz, Jason Lee and Kurt Russell, this film isn’t lacking in the cast department. Instead, it’s lacking in normalcy.

“Vanilla Sky” will definitely keep you tuned in – but you have to be if you want to figure everything out. Even if you don’t miss a beat the entire flick, you may still be left sitting and wondering what the hell just flashed before your eyes.

Crowe has proven his genius qualities in script writing, and “Vanilla Sky” has great intentions. However, it may not trip many triggers as it is edgy, incredibly intellectual and just plain weird at times.

Cruise plays a rich, young publishing executive in New York City named David Aames who has finally discovered true love. But after one fateful mistake, he is thrust into a world of confusion and fear.

Not knowing what is real anymore, David struggles to hold onto his newly found love while searching to find himself and the truth.

A handful of twists and turns and an awkward, science fiction-esque ending confuse the characters in the film as much as the audience.

Jam-packed with sexual overtones, intriguing dialogue and dark humor, “Vanilla Sky” entertains as much as it confuses. In the spirit of such films as “The Game” and “Total Recall,” the audience’s biggest struggle will be trying to figure out what is reality and what isn’t.

But the cast is the life boat for this vessel. Cruise and Cruz have a phenomenal chemistry (probably because they are dating in real life). Cruz’s portrayal of a cute, independent New York woman is very believable.

Cruise is in one of his more challenging roles and does it quite well, diving into his character, David. Cruise excels, his character becoming so confused and overcome with emotion that he reaches an amazing breaking point.

For a portion of the film, he is solid. One might hesitate to say the word Oscar – but Cruise earns his superstar status with his acting, not his pretty face.

Diaz is in a new role for her as the villain, and she can be as evil as she can be cute. Her depiction of an overly sexual stalker is right on and also fun to watch. She, too, is adding to the theory that acting – besides beautiful looks – gives you a place in Hollywood.

Lee and Russell do well in their supporting roles, rounding out one of the best casts of the year. Lee’s versatility as an actor shines through as he plays a serious role. His form of dry humor seen so much in Kevin Smith films adds nicely to Crowe’s script.

“Vanilla Sky” is just one of those movies you love and hate at the same time. With such an unorthodox plot, you have to give the benefit of the doubt to Crowe and his A-list cast that this film is slightly ahead of its time.

*** 1/2

Kyle Moss is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale. He wishes all the ladies Happy Holidays.